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What’s the difference between Advent and Lent?
(OSV News) — For Kendra Tierney, a Catholic writer and mother of 10, the Advent period leading up to Christmas resembles the anticipation of childbirth.
“There exists a distinct character to that period where rushing is not an option, and you’re focused on getting everything ready,” remarked the founder and CEO of Catholic All Year. “I believe that Advent provides us the chance to truly immerse ourselves in that sentiment, where we aim to utilize that time to prepare our households and to ready our families to receive Christ into our lives.”
Advent signifies the commencement of the church’s liturgical calendar, beginning four Sundays prior to Christmas. The term “Advent” suggests its significance: It is derived from the Latin word “advenire,” which means “to arrive” or “to come to.” This year’s season starts on Dec. 3.
A period of readiness
Though Advent is occasionally referred to as “a mini Lent,” Catholic specialists note that there are significant similarities and distinctions between the two, each of which culminate in important feast days and liturgical periods: Christmas and Easter, respectively. They concur that Advent mainly serves as a time for preparation.
“Lent possesses that sorrowful quality where … we aim to concentrate on strengthening those aspects of being remorseful. I believe that the essence of Advent is meant to contrast with that — it is truly, indeed, a period of anticipation for a birth,” stated Tierney, who authors works on celebrating the liturgical year at home.
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